ALL >> Legal >> View Article
Qualifying For Immigration Amnesty

Immigration amnesty is the process where persons living in the US are granted legal immigration status subject to meeting some requirements. If you entered the US illegally or you came to the US legally but overstayed your visa, you may qualify for immigration amnesty. But what is important to note is that not all illegals qualify for this amnesty program. It is mostly granted to a particular group of people and to those who have not committed any other illegal activity other than being in the country illegally.
The Congress has occasionally passed legislation that paved way for specific groups of persons to immigration amnesty. Though we cannot come to a conclusion about the exact number of illegals, it can be roughly estimated to be around twelve million. Immigration amnesty has always had opposing viewpoints. Supporters of this are of the view that blanket amnesty should be granted to all illegals if they have not have committed any other crime. Their conception is that if all the persons who are in the US illegally were removed, the United States will be in for some serious economic setbacks.
Coming to ...
... the other side of the coin, those who oppose the amnesty program strongly believe that persons who are in the country illegally have already broken the law and therefore should not be granted legal status. They also feel that granting immigration amnesty to illegals will also embarrass immigrants who follow the rules when applying for legal immigration status.
Immigration amnesty process:
Since the laws surrounding Immigration Amnesty keep changing often, it is highly recommended you check if you qualify before actually applying. Generally, if you have overstayed your visa beyond the time you are allowed to or entered the US without the appropriate visa, you may qualify for immigration amnesty. If you qualify, even your child/ren and spouse will qualify to apply for a change of status in the US.
Since the entire process is very sophisticated, consult a qualified immigration attorney to help you through the process because of the frequent changes in the the legislation regarding amnesty. Though at the outset, the process might look simple and you might get a feeling that you are competent enough to go ahead with the process yourself, consulting an immigration attorney will turn out to be a wise decision.
You have to complete and file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status with the USCIS. You have to mail the completed form to the designated USCIS office. Along with this application, you will get detailed filing instructions. You will have information about the fees, the supporting documents that you have to include and also the mailing address.
You may apply for a work permit while your case is pending. Applying for a work permit allows you to remain and work legally in the US while you are yet to get a decision on your I-485 application filed. After reviewing your application, the USCIS will inform you about their decision. As you wait for the decision regarding your application, you cannot leave the US without completing certain documentation and forms. If you do not follow or do not give importance to such rules, it might even lead to your application getting rejected.
Add Comment
Legal Articles
1. Uk Sponsor Licence Guide For Employers (2025 Updated)Author: The SmartMove2UK
2. Divorce In Singapore: What You Really Need To Know First
Author: Singapore Sole Parent
3. The Importance Of Communication Skills In The Best Criminal Lawyers
Author: glennrroderman
4. Hiring The Right Construction Lawyer Near You: What To Look For
Author: Robert J. Incollingo
5. Seeking Justice After A Dog Attack: Work With A Minnesota Dog Bite Accident Attorney
Author: sussmanlaw
6. How To Effectively Use Australian Immigration Consultancy Services In Hyderabad?
Author: Ankit Sharma
7. The Growing Importance Of Legal Recruitment In Today’s Competitive Market
Author: EMEA Legal
8. When Your Business Is Ready To Expand To The Uk, We Handle The Visas
Author: The SmartMove2UK
9. What Is Intellectual Property And Its Benefits?
Author: Alicia Reno
10. A Complete Guide To Eu Trademark Registration For Businesses Expanding Across Europe
Author: The Trademark Helpline
11. Bringing Your Loved Ones To The Uk: Your Guide To The Skilled Worker Dependant Visa
Author: Conroy Baker
12. How Long Does Llp Registration Take? Timeline Explained
Author: Jishan Khan
13. Starting A Business In Pune? 7 Essential Online Registrations You Shouldn’t Miss!
Author: Startupporta Business Services
14. Top Materials We Use In Our Best Custom Cnc Machining Parts
Author: YuYao QiDi Plastic Mold Factory
15. Why Every Business Needs A Corporate Lawyer In Dubai
Author: Dr. Hassan Elhais